What Did You Do At School?

Prep

Our Prep students have been enthusiastically involved in many exciting learning experiences over the past few weeks. One highlight was participating in the International Dress-Up Day and parade. Students proudly dressed in clothing representing different cultures and countries from around the world. The parade was filled with colour, excitement, and smiling faces as students celebrated the diversity within our school community. It was wonderful to see the children confidently sharing and learning about different traditions and cultures.

Another exciting event was the House Cross Country. Our Prep students showed great determination and perseverance as they ran their very best around the course. They demonstrated excellent sportsmanship by encouraging one another and cheering on their classmates. We were very proud of the enthusiasm and positive attitudes shown by all students throughout the event.

In the classroom, Prep students are developing their reading comprehension skills by making connections with the texts they read. They are learning to relate stories to their own experiences, other texts, and the world around them. These connections help students deepen their understanding and engage more meaningfully with what they are reading. It has been wonderful to hear students confidently sharing their ideas and thinking during class discussions.

Year 1

Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Proverbs 8:33

This week in Mathematics, our Year 1 students are exploring the exciting world of directional language. We are focusing on learning how to give and follow specific and accurate directions using terms such as 'left', 'right', 'forward', and 'backward'. We also discovered the importance of setting a clear starting point to ensure that the following instructions make sense. Additionally, writing instructions is only part of our learning; listening and following are just as important. If we do not follow instructions correctly, we may end up in the wrong location or even get hurt!

Year 2

Year 2 have been exploring non-fiction texts all about animals! We have been wowed by awe-inspiring facts, vivid vocabulary and eye-catching text features. Over the last few weeks, we have become experts on a chosen animal in preparation for delivering a short speech to our classmates. In class, we have practised using eye contact and expression to confidently present our incredible ideas.

Furthermore, we have discovered how to use arrays to represent multiplication facts as rows and columns. Test us on our doubles facts to see how quickly we can recall them!

Year 3

This term in Year 3, students have been exploring the exciting world of narrative writing. We have focused on creating engaging story openings by describing vivid settings that capture the reader’s attention from the very beginning. Students have also enjoyed developing colourful and interesting characters, thinking carefully about their personalities, actions, and emotions.

Another key focus has been learning how to “show, not tell” in their writing. Rather than simply stating feelings or problems, students have been encouraged to describe actions, expressions, and reactions to help bring their stories to life. We have also explored how narratives include a clear problem and solution to keep readers engaged throughout the story.

It has been wonderful to see students growing in confidence and creativity as writers. We are very proud of the effort and originality they have shown in their work. Please enjoy reading some of the students’ writing samples included below!

One pleasant morning, Amber, Tiana, Charlotte and of course, Joanna, were in bed. Everyone blinked hard as Amber yanked open the violet-coloured curtains. A ray of sunlight burst into the dim room... After a hearty breakfast, they were on to dessert, and scrumptious apple pie was served as they talked. "What's so good about your home?" asked Tiana. "All I know is, this is one amazing pie!" Amber said between mouthfuls.

Amber L (3K)

One horrible day, Tedd Chicke Wings was stuck in a cave jail owned by evil, rude and fearsome Tippy Tinkle Trousers. While he was in jail, he drew on the wall with mud and his finger. There was also a medium-sized hole on the roof of the cave to let light into the cell...

Owen W (3D)

Year 4

Over the last few weeks in Christian Studies, we have been learning about the beginning of the Monarchy in Israel. We explored the appointment of King Saul and discussed the importance of trusting and obeying God. We then learned about David, discussing some of his strengths and mistakes, and how he showed true repentance and turned back to God. Finally, we discovered how Solomon became known for his wisdom and how he asked God for understanding to lead his people well. It has been wonderful to deepen our understanding of these Bible stories and reflect on the lessons we can apply to our own lives each day!

Year 5

We hit the ground running, with a busy start to Term 2. In Week 1, students participated in daily swimming classes, followed by our House Cross Country event in Week 2. All of us were looking our best for School Photos in Week 2. Week 3 saw our cohort travel back in time to the 1850s, learning about Australian history at Sovereign Hill. It was a fantastic time of learning and forming new friendships.

The camp began with dressing up in costume, where students participated in a real 1850s classroom, to panning for gold and learning about the Chinese and Europeans who established many of the towns we know today in central Victoria. Being part of the “live museum”, students got a glimpse into what it was like for many different people groups living on the goldfields. This was a rich experience for all involved, including the Year 5 teachers, who also dressed up as “Sir” and “Ma’am”, playing their part as members of the local town.

Our Year 5 students have explored various strategies for multiplication in Mathematics and have continued to hone their creative writing skills and to ask deep questions when reading texts.

Year 6

In preparation for Open Day, we enthusiastically transformed our classrooms into welcoming and engaging spaces, while also training to become official Oxley Ambassadors. We worked diligently to display our very best work and practised our public speaking skills so we could confidently welcome families and guests onto our beautiful school grounds.

Throughout the day, we took great pride in sharing our learning experiences and answering questions about life at Oxley. We loved the opportunity to showcase our musical talents during the Junior School Concert, as well as through a variety of ensemble performances held around the school. A highlight of the day was receiving a delicious sausage, which kept us energised and ready to continue our ambassador duties with enthusiasm.

Another memorable aspect of the experience was partnering with Secondary School Ambassadors to show visitors what Oxley is truly all about. We enjoyed building connections with these students and learning from their leadership skills to equip us for our own upcoming Secondary School journeys. Open Day was a rewarding and unique experience that allowed us to develop confidence, teamwork, and school pride.